PURPOSE
OF THIS WEBSITE FEATUREThis new website feature will list desirable species that we have just
obtained or are very desirable and requested species. It will be a "blog-like"
presentation with photos of the plants and, if available, pictures of larger
specimens. It will be expanded every day or two with comments on the
species. Posted species will remain for about two weeks, with new species added
at the top of this page.
Note that some offerings will only be
available in very limited numbers. Sometimes we'll show smaller plants,
other times larger. This will enable mail order customers to review items
they could purchase and have easily shipped. Most recent posts will appear
at the top of this thread, with the older ones below.

LEARN
ABOUT PALM TREES / BOOKMARK THIS PAGE If you regularly follow this
page, you'll learn a lot about palms and see photos of what we have and mature
specimens. Comments will be brief. Feel free to email me with
questions or requested species. .

PRICINGWhere possible, pricing will be mentioned.
Remember, other sizes at different prices may be available as well.

SPECIALS We will occasional post special pricing in this section. Special
prices will last only as long as they are posted here.

MAIL ORDERS AND DELIVERIESIt is possible to ship or deliver any plants seen on these pages.
Just call us to set up an order. We ship within the U.S. Some state
require Phyto Certificates.

RETURN TO THIS PAGE FREQUENTLYThis website section will change frequently, with
new species being described every day or two. Watching what
we offer here will enable you to tell what's new at our nursery.

REMINDER: POSTS HERE WILL
CHANGE EVERY DAY OR TWO, SO BOOKMARK THIS SITE AND RETURN TO SEE MORE.

CYCAS PETRAEAThis is a very interesting cycad
species for several reasons.First, it is quite cold hardy, tolerating
temperatures below freezing and known to take snow. Second,
it is a rather smallcycad species, rarely over six to eight feet of
trunk. Finally, it has an unusual smooth skin to the caudex.
These plants arehuge, the biggest on the market and very old.
They almost filltheir ten gallon containers. Priced at
$450, they won't lastlong. Sorry, but we have no pictures
(either ours or on the
Net) of larger specimens to show you.
Of note, we only have one or two of these left.

.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANIIThis rare blue colored
cycad is from South Africa, the Natal area.
It is different than the E. horridus because it doesn't have the side
barbs and lobes. It remains relatively small, never getting a
trunk
height over a few feet. Shown is a 15g plant with bronze colored
newly emerging leaves. We have a good supply ranging from
seedlings ($55) to large specimens at a special price of
$125 per inch of caudex width on round caudex specimens.

KERRIODOXA ELEGANSThis species has fascinated
me ever since I saw it
in the wild in Southern Thailand. It is a rather small
fan palm with unique fan leaves and silver color on the
bottom of the leaves. It is very difficult to find. We
have
1g size available (shown) for $45. A large specimen is
also shown in a garden. Its cold tolerance is somewhere
near freezing. Note that the leaves are near complete
with only small terminal separated segments. Only a
few are available.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28, 2011
(a good day to look at a few cycads)

CERATOZAMIA HILDAEThis is a petite species of cycad that
prefers understory conditions and has
leaves that never get more than about
four feet tall. It's hallmark is the
grouping of leaflets, almost like "bows"
along the stem. You can see this easily
in the first photo to the right. The
second photo is a mature specimen,
male. This species takes about 10 years
to get coning size and the 15g plant
shown is a bit over this age. Cold
tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.
It likes filtered light. It is a great
species for that small location in the
garden when you need something very
"cute". We offer this unique plant in
an array of sizes from seedlings to big
mature specimens, prices from $35 to
$450.

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUSEveryone loves blue cycads. I
showed a
large specimen of this species below.
Here is an interesting plant that has
formed a small cluster. It is actually
three plants, side by side. Who knows
why a plant does this. But, as they age,
they tend to individually have more
petite caudexes. This plant is $450.
To see a mature E. horridus, scan down
this page a few posts and you'll see one.
They get super blue color when outdoors
in full sun. This nursery plant is in a
15 gallon container and can be easily
shipped to anywhere in the U.S..

ZAMIA MURICATAThis is a rather exotic South American
tropical Zamia. But, it has a surprising
amount of cold tolerance, surviving
the mid to upper twenties F. It is native
to Venezuela and has long, finely toothed
leaflets. I've found it likes filtered light.
If you see some cold, this would be a good
one to try. Shown is a 10 year old citrus
pot size. It's leaves are about 4 feet long.
It is coning size with a cuadex of about
4 inches. Shown is a close-up picture of
the leaflets of Zamia muricata. Do not
confuse this species with Zamia manicata
from Columbia.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 26, 2011
(short post)

RHAPIS MULTIFIDAI think I might have shown this species
before, but wanted to quickly re-visit it.
This species is NOT the same as the usual
Lady Palm. It is much prettier. Each fan leaf
holds more leaflets and the trunks are thin
and attractive without the messy thatch you
see on most Rhapis excelsa, the common Lady Palm. It gets to a maximum height of about ten feet and has pointed thin leaflets.Shown first to the right is great 5g plant,
interior quality. This is a fantastic
houseplant. Note how full it is. Also
shown is a very unique, larger 7g. But,
one of the canes is variegated. This is very
unusual for this species. I only have one
plant with the variegation and it's for sale.
Quite a few posts back I showed a
variegated R. excelsa. It might be fun to
scroll down and compare the two. This
species likes shade and is cold tolerant
into at least the mid-twenties F. As I
mentioned, it is a superior house plant.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUSEvery cycad enthusiast loves the speciesE. horridus. It is a bit perplexing as this
is a very spiny species that is quite
threatening with all of its armor. But, it
is probably the number one most sought-
after cycad species. Shown here is an
approximate 10 inch newly rooted offset
from a mother plant. This new flush, the
first since being removed from the parent
plant, is about 3 weeks old. It emerged a
purple color and is now turning blue. Also
shown is a mature horridus in a garden for
comparison.

WODYETIA BIFURCATAThis popular narrow trunked species of crown
shafted pinnate palm is known to like heat and
sun. It tolerates temperatures down to about 24
degrees F. We have all sizes from seedlings to
14 foot specimens (limited). Shown is a 20g that
is eight to ten feet, $275. From time to time we
also have the Foxy Lady hybrid of Wodyetia
withVeitchia.Wodyetia is
known as the Foxtail
Palm and peaks out at about 22 feet or so.

Burretiokentia hapalaThis is a very popular, single
trunk, pinnate
palm from New Caledonia.
Enthusiasts
have found it to be one of the easiest
Burretiokentias to grow. It prefers filtered
or part day sun in most areas and
is a
good
grower. Cold tolerance is into the upper 20's f.
Pictured is a
20G specimen, price is $400.
We also have 15g, 5g and smaller.
The
second photo is in a domestic garden
for several years. They
get
A height of at
least 20 feet. This is a beautiful palm!

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTIIThis is a slow growing yet bizarre
looking
palm. It is known as
the Spindle Palm.
Opposed to the Bottle Palm (gets swelling
at
the
base of the trunk), this species swells
in the middle of the trunk.
It
is crown
shafted and never gets very tall, perhaps
to 15 feet in a
many decades. The pictured
plant is a 1.5 gallon and $35 and
about 2
feet tall. The second photo shows several
mature specimens.
Cold
tolerance is better
than the Bottle Palm, a bit below freezing.
So, if you are one that really wants a
Bottle Palm but realize it won't grow in
Southern California, this is the species
for you.

MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2011

CHAMAEDOREA ADSCENDENSThis is a dwarf understory palm that likes
filtered light and never gets over 3 feet.
Originally I thought it would get up to about
5 feet tall but now I don't think so. It is
very rare and fairly hard to find. The
plant shown here is a mature, flowering
sized specimen. Not how the leaves are
velvety and glacous colored with a silver
tint. Price is $65, limited number available.
Cold tolerance is uncertain but probably
about 25 degrees. It's an ideal small plant
for that special shady location. The last"
photo shows the white stem. Note the
flower stem which shows this is a mature
plant.

CHAMBEYRONIA HOUAILOUThis is a species or variety of Chambeyronia
that is always sought out by collectors.
It is from new Caledonia and has different
characteristics than macrocarpa. When
young, the plant has enormous entire leaves.
As it ages, the leaves are keeled, the leaflets
are wide and leaves are arching. Shown here
is a 5g plant, $75. These are near impossible
to find and like partial sun or strong filtered
light and have cold hardiness into the low
20's f. The larger plants shown (3) are
from a domestic garden. Sorry that I don't
have any pictures from habitat.

CHAMAEDOREA LINEARISThis is a gorgeous single trunk Chamaedorea
that gets a very thick trunk and quite tall. It is
mostly known for the variety of colors in the
trunk or crown shaft. Sometimes they are
mottled with green, yellow, white or black.
The trunks are very striking appearing.
It is pinnate with long leaves, a powerful
crown shaft for a Chamaedorea, and an
exotic appearance. Shown here are some 5g
we just got in. They need a bit of nitrogen
to green up. But, this species is so hard to
find I thought I'd shown now or we'll be out.
Also shown are multiple plants we've had in
the past to demonstrate how beautiful this
species is. Note the "chameleon" appearance
of the crown shaft in the second photo.
I'd estimate cold tolerance in the upper
twenties, but it could be lower than this.
They are a filtered light or shade plant here
in Southern California.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 20, 2011

CYCAS PECTINATAThis charming cycad is from
Asia (India to China)
and gets 10 to
15 feet tall over many years. It has
6 foot leaves and is quite
beautiful.
It likes
filtered light or full sun right along the coast.
The
shown
containerized plant is in a 5g and $175.
It has 4 foot leaves.
It is a
good grower. The
second photo shows a more mature plant in a
domestic setting.

SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLAThis species is a single trunk palm that
belongs to the
family of Syagrus.
This is the same genus as the
Queen Palm.
Yet, this plant looks nothing like the
Queen
Palm. It is known as the Arucuri Palm and
gets
to about 15 feet, takes full sun, and is
slow growing.
Shown to the right is a
5g, $65. Adjacent is a mature
specimen in
a garden. Not a Queen, is it? Cold hardy
into the upper 20's F.

JUBAEA CHLENSISEveryone loves the large trunked Chilean
Wine Palm. This slow growing species can
get a trunk diameter of
four feet! It typically
gets a trunk height of about 25
feet in 30 years.
It is extremely expensive when bought
as a mature specimen. Shown is a 5g, 4 to
5 year old
plant for $65. Mature ones to the
right are located in
San Diego, CA

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

CEROXYLON AMAZONICUMThis is a single trunk species of pinnate
palm from
South America on the slopes
of the Andes Mountains. It is a type of Wax
Palm and known for it's cold tolerance and
thin trunk for its size. This species is one
of the most heat tolerant of the genusCeroxylon. Pictured is a 5g of this rare
species, $75. We have no pictures of
large specimens as there are essentially
no pictures of large specimens available.

ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPSThis is a very sought after blue cycad from
South
Africa. It has gorgeous blue color
when outdoors in the sun and is a small
to medium sized cycad. Of the blue species
from the Natal district, this one is highly
coveted and hard to find. The 5g shown is
$275. A larger specimen in the ground is
shown to the right. Note how outdoor
grown blue cycads show a better color
of blue than in the greenhouse. This is
because the blue comes from a wax
produced by the plant's leaves. It is a
mechanism to protect from desiccation.
Inside the greenhouse humidity is ample
so blue cycads have no reason to produce
the wax. But, when moved outdoors,
they must once again produce it.
Therefore, in the average greenhouse
you will see a blue-green color to the
'blue cycads". Come back to visit us soon as I plan
to post some very cool new plant
arrivals in the next few days.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2011
Some Perfect Houseplants

Howea forsterianaNot only is this a fantastic outdoor
palm in Southern California, it is
the perfect interior house palm. It is
planted as a single plant or as a
multiple (more than one in a pot).
Pots with multiples need more room
for the leaves to spread. Singles are
faster growing, getting height more
quickly. They need average interior
light; not too dark but not demanding
direct sun. Shown are oversized
5g plants that are six feet or more.
Price is $85 plus s/h. They take a
very large box. The first is a multi,
the second a single. These 5g plants
are almost the size of the 15g plants.
The smaller pot size saves shipping
costs.

Rhapis multifidaThis is a suckering fan palm with thin
clean green stems. If you compare
these stems with Rhapis excelsa, they
are much prettier. This species gets
to about 10 feet height. Its leaves carry
10 to 20 leaflets, thin and pointed at
the end. For all these reasons, it is felt
to be a superior houseplant. We are
offering grade A interior plants as
shown here. They are absolutely
perfect and ideal for interior culture.
A great size for shipping is the 5g
which are about 5 feet from the floor
to the top of the plant. We can also
provide 7g and, for local pickup, 15g
which are 10 feet tall. Shown are a
7g plant and a 15g. Note the thin
trunks.

Chamaedorea hooperianaThis is another perfect interior plant
for those that like the "bamboo palm"
look. This species gets to about 10 feet,
sometimes a bit taller. It develops thin
green trunks with prominent rings. It
likes average interior light. Shown
is a more mature plant in a 20g
container. We are offering a special
price on our 3g plants, 5 feet tall,
normally $65 for $49.95 plus s/h. We
can ship these promptly. A few examples
of this size are shown.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13,2011

Cyphophoenix nuceleA medium sized crown shafted palm from
New Caledonia. It prefers filtered light, is
quite rare and very elegant appearing.
Pictured is a one gallon plant that is $45.
Next to this photo is a nice sized plant in a
garden in New Caledonia. Cold tolerance
is into the upper twenties, F. We also have 5g

Serenoa repensThis species is a low profile, dwarf species
typically
under six feet in height. It suckers
and has a leaf color than varies from
green to
blue. It prefers full sun and heat and is quite
cold
tolerant into the teens F. 1g shown is $35.
To the right
is a gorgeous blue specimen in a
private garden in FL.

Coccothrinax barbadensisThis is a thin trunked, sun loving fan palm.
It
enjoys heat and is an ideal species for a
bright sunny location. Young plants are slow,
but when planted from a one or five gallon
into the
soil, growth rates pick up. The 1g
plant shown is $35. Adjacent is a mature
plant showing good blue color.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2011
(Blue Cycads Anyone?)

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUSThis is a blue African cycad that
is known
for its spiny leaflets. Leaves are often
reflexed down toward the ground. This cycad
does not get overly big and enjoys heat and
sun. We have 3 leaf seedlings of this species
for $55 that are quite nice. Shown to the
right is an 8 inch specimen in a 15g container.
Also shown is a specimen in a garden in
Southern California. We offer an excellent
assortment of sizes on this species. Cold
tolerance is into the low 20's F.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANIIHere we have another blue South African
cycad. It is not spiny like the species above.
But, it is equally as blue. It prefers heat and
full sun and, like the trispinosus, takes
temperatures down to about 22 degrees F.
This is an elegant appearing cycad.
Shown is a nice 15g plant at the nursery.
This plant has about a six inch caudex. We
have smaller and much larger plants for sale
including seedlings for $55 and citrus pot
7 year old plants for $185.

ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPSThis is a
3rd blue South African cycad.
It is similar to lehmanii but has a different
orientation of the leaflets. It is quite rare.
It also has a great blue color, likes heat and
sun, and is equally cold hardy like the others.
Shown is a 15g, 6 inch caudex palnt and
a garden specimen. The smallest size
we have for sale of this species is 5g, 2
inch caudex for $275.

NOTE: Blue cycads are always more blue
in color when grown outdoors in full sun
as compared to these containerized
plants shown here that were grown in a
greenhouse.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, 2011
(Two Really Cold Hardy Palm Species)

RHAPIDOPHYLLUM HYSTRIXTHE NEEDLE PALMThis is an extremely cold hardy,
suckering dwarf palm from the south-
eastern United States. It is a dark
green fan palm that tolerates shade
or, in many areas, can take full sun.
It is cold hardy to zero degrees F.
Typically height is six feet. Long
black needles are found on the trunk.
Shown is a 5g plant, chunky and of
good size for a 5g. Price $65.
Surprisingly this species is hard
to find in nurseries. Of note,
I have customers
growing this
plant in Long Island, NY, and in
Oregon and Washington.
Also shown to the right is a mature
plant that
only has one trunk.
This species
typically gets quite
bushy.
If you
live in a very cold area and
want to
try a palm, this Needle
Palm might be one to try.

TRACHYCARPUS WAGNERIANUSThis palm is also very cold hardy
and
will tolerate temperatures to about 10
degrees F. It has a hairy trunk, gets to
a mature height of 10 feet, and has very
cute, stiff and smaller sized leaves.
Shown is a 5 year old 5g plant, $75 and
a larger mature specimen. It likes heat
and full sun and will not do well in shade.
Palm enthusiasts call this species "The
Waggie". In terms of growth rate, this
species is very slow. Twenty years ago,
this species was referred to as "T. takil",not to be confused with the more recently described current Trachycarpus
takil.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2011

RHOPALOSTYLIS SAPIDAThis species is from New Zealand
and is a medium sized, prominently
crown shafted palm that gets to a
height of about 25 degrees. Along
the coast it can take full sun, inland
it prefers filtered light or part day
sun. Cold tolerance is somewhere
between 22 and 24 degrees F. Shown
first is a 5g plant, about 3 feet tall,
price is $65. Also shown are mature
plants in Balboa Park, San Diego

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSISThis South African cycad is rare
to see in
most nurseries and is a good sized mature
plant. It is a quick grower and has dark
green leaves. Mature trunk size can be
several meters, but this takes many
decades to achieve. Shown is a boxed
nursery specimen about 20 years old with
a caudex of approximately 14 inches and
leaf height of 7 feet. Also shown is a
garden specimen, mature.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011

CAPOXYLON MACROSPERMAThis is a very pretty crown
shafted palm
tree of medium size. The crown has
slightly recurved leaves. It tolerates
temperatures to about freezing. It comes
from the island of Vanuatu. Shown here
is a nice 5g plant and a mature specimen
This is a very rare species to find
at nurseries.

ZAMIA ELEGANTISSIMAThis is a very beautiful
medium
sized tropical Zamia from the
country of Panama in Central
America. Shown to the left
is a seedling of this species. Also
shown is a near 50 year old nursery
specimen (male). You can see
how nice the mature plant
is with it's full crown of leaves.
It's no surprise it was named
"elegant" - issima.

CYPHOPHOENIX NUCELEThis is another very pretty crown
shafted palm from New Caledonia.
It gets to about 20-25 feet and
has an upright crown of leaves
and has a nice dark green color.
Cold
tolerance is to about 27
degrees F.
Shown here is a 5g
plant and a
mature specimen.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

ENCEPHALARTOS NATALENSIS X
WOODIIThis is an interesting hybrid betweentwo South African cycads, E. natalensis and E. woodii. The latteris extinct in the wild with only onemale specimen in existence (along with offsets and their lineage removedfrom the parent over time). It is unbelievably expensive to acquire anE. woodii. This hybrid gives peoplethe opportunity to own a similar plantat a fraction of the cost. It is a very
pretty dark green plant with a fullcrown of leaves. Shown is a 15gplant made from pollinating a female natalensis with the pollenfrom a male E. woodii. It will makea good sized plant with cold hardinessdown to the low 20's F. It likes sun.

ENCEPHALARTOS, UNKNOWN
SPECIESThis unique and rare plant
has not been
identified as to a taxonomic name.
It reportedly
originates in the locality
of E. paucidentatus, but
has no
resemblance to paucidentatus.
It is a very
pretty plant and has a full
set of dark green leaves
and has been
grown in full sun. It has seen
temperatures into the low 20's f. It will
show
multiple pictues of it because it is
an interesting
plant. Note the rather
small
leaflets
with minimal spination.

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

BARE ROOT CYCAD SPECIALS

LEPIDOZAMIA PEROFSKYANAThis is an un-armed, dark green
and very
lush Australian cycad. It does get quite
large and over one's lifetime can get a
very tall trunk. We call it a "user-friendly"
cycad because you can brush the leaves
against your face without pain. We are
offering a good buy on these bare root
seedlings: #3 for $59.99
plus s/h and phtyo if your state
requires one. These are 1-3 year old
plants that we are putting into 1g pots.

We also have bigger plants in larger
sizes like 5g to 24 inch box. A larger
plant in a 25g is shown below. Cold
tolerance is into the low 20's F

ENCEPHALARTOS GRATUSThis is another rare cycd, this
time an Encephalartosfrom South Africa. This one likes full sun along the
coast and part sun inland. These are bare root seedlings
with the special price of #3 seedlings,
$44.99 plus s/h

Also shown is a larger garden plant. We also
have
for sale 5g, 15g, and big boxed specimens. This
species makes a big cycad and is cold tolerant
into the low 20's F.

ENCEPHALARTOS FEROXThis is another South African
cycad
with leaflets that look like a Holly Fern.
It is a medium sized plant that essentially
does not form vertical trunk. It is best
known for its colorful cones, fire engine
red with the female.

Shown are seedlings of this spcies. Our
special is#3 seedlings,
$44.99 plu s/h.
We also have 5g, 15g and coning sized
boxed plants. The second photo is a 15g.
Below is a mature female plant with
that super red female cone.

SATURDAY, JULY 30TH, 2011

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERATHE BLUE MEDITERRANEAN FAN I wouldn't say that this blue suckering
fan palm from
north Africa is particularly rare, but to many it is
the perfect palm for their needs. It doesn't get too
tall, it is extremely cold hardy, and it has a nice blue
color. We have various sizes for sale. Shown
is a box and some smaller 5g sized plants.
The 5g are $65 and a great size for shipping
with mail order. If you are hot and in an inland
location, they will be much more blue in your
hands than our as we are so close to the beach.
For people in areas like northern FL, central
TX or the central Valley in CA, this is a great
species for you. Cold hardiness to about
15 degrees, prefer full hot sun.

PTYCHOSPERMA CUNEATUMThis is a suckering
tropical appearing palm
that doesn't get too tall, perhaps ten feet or
so, and likes filtered light. They are lush and
exotic appearing. We should have 5g and
perhaps some 15g. Cold tolerance is the
upper 20's F. This species is ideal for
someone who lives in an ideal part of
coastal So Cal. Rusty is next to a 15g
plant in the first picture. The second
photo is a 5g and shows the leaves better.
The smaller one is $65, the larger $175.
Note the unusual attractive shape to the
leaflets.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 2011

LICUALA RAMSAYIAUSTRALIAN TROPICAL FAN PALMThis is a very stunning species from
the Queensland
area of Australia. Like other Licuala, it has a unique
and striking fan palm. Unlike other Licuala, along
the coast in So Cal, it likes an adequate dose of sun.
It gets a bit tall, perhaps to 20 feet and is super
tropical appearing. We just got in a few nice plants
as shown. Also, look at the mature plants from habitat.
Cold tolerance is into the upper 20's. (8/20: sorry, sold out)

TUESDAY, JULY 26, 2011

BECCARIOPHOENIX MADAGASCARENSISWINDOW VARIETYTaxonomy on the species of the
genus
Beccariophoenix has been in a state of
flux in recent times. Some "species" are
yet to have firm names. The one shown
here is therefore known as the "window"
variety because of the formation of the
"windows" in the leaf. See Photos. Shown
is a nursery plant in a 15g, very nice, $200.
Also shown are a closeup of the leaf of
this species and an older plant in a garden.
We also have 5g plants for sale.
They like full sun when larger (coastal) and
have tolerated temperatures in the
mid-twenties F. at our nursery outside,
during the terrible winter of 2007

CARYOTA ZEBRINAZEBRA FISHTAIL PALMThis is a fascinating palm from the
mountains of Papua New Guinea. It sees
some cold weather at elevation. It has striped
stems and therefore has its common name.
Shown is a 5g plant, $65. We only have a few.
Also shown is a closeup of the stems. We
don't really know the cold tolerance of
this species yet because it's so new. But,
some are very optimistic that it goes down
to the freezing point. This is an extremely
rare plant. Sorry, but I have no good photos
of a mature plant.

SATURDAY, JULY 23, 2011

We're at the nursery today
and have some really cool species for sale. Visit us. We mail
order anywhere in the U.S.

CARYOTA GIGASThis is a very large
Fishtail palm species
that has huge leaves, is very exotic, and
has a thick trunk. They are fast growing,
take full sun along the coast and are very
beautiful. Shown are a 15g, $175, and
a mature plant in a garden. Cold tolerance
into the low 20's F. We have very
large 5g for $65. Also, big 25g.

VEITHCIA MERRILLII
(ADONIDIA MERRILLII)THE CHRISTMAS PALMThis is a favorite among palm
enthusiasts.
It is not overly large, has nice recurved
leaves, is clean appearing and has a
nice crown shaft. The problem is that
this species does poorly in Southern
California. There are other species
of Veitchia that do better. It has been
renamed as Adonidia. Most people
still know it by its former name.Shown is a 9 foot tall 7g plant, available
on request. Also shown is a pair
of beautifully grown plants in
a garden. This is a popular interior
palm.

CERATOZAMIA LATIFOLIAThis cycad species gets
medium sized with
a crown span of about 8 feet. It has wide
leaflets and throws new leaves which are
reddish brown (as shown). Native to
Mexico, it is very exotic and prefers filtered
light. Water needs are low. Shown is a 5g
plant and a photo of the leaves of a
mature specimen. The leaves hang out
to the side, so give it room to show
it off.

FRIDAY, JULY 22, 2011

PHOENIX HANCEANAThis is a shorter form of the
Pheonix
genus with a somewhat stout trunk but
only a height up to about 10 feet. Of
interest is that sometimes it suckers,
other times it is single trunk. The
leaflets are pointed like many Phoenix
species. It is synonymous with P.
loureiri var loureiri. Shown is a 5g
plant, $65. Also shown is a larger
specimen. I would consider this a
"medium sized" Date palm. It would
work well for someone who wants a
smaller Canary type palm.

PHILODENDRON SPECIES
PIGSKINThis is an interesting climbing
Philodendron with a very thick
leaf and the texture of the skin of
a pig. It is quite unusual. The Latin
name is Philodendron rogusum. It comes from the mid elegations
in the mountains of Ecuador.
I got cuttings from a
well known
botanical garden and
have been
propagating it for
several years.
Its leaves are
about a foot across.
The texture
is very rough to the
fingertips. The close up picture
shows how it feels, like the skin
of a pig.

THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011

STANGERIA ERIOPUSThis is a rather small and
fern-like
appearing cycad from South Africa.
At maturity, its caudex is usually no
larger than six to seven inches. The
leaves are typically under four feet,
often just two to three feet. So, it is
a nice cycad for a small area. And, it
is un-armed and user friendly. Shown
is a citrus pot size, which is coning size.
This plant has a female cone.
Many of our plants have coned. This
size is $175 to $200. We do have smaller
sizes as well. A mature plant is shown.
Most grow this in filtered light. Right
along the coast it may take full sun. Cold
tolerance is into the mid-twenties F.

GAUSSIA MAYAIn the "old days", this species was
known as Opsiandra maya, a name that
I really enjoyed. It is a single trunk palm
that can be grown in Southern CA. It
has the interesting habit of getting a very
swollen base. This swelling will truly
"disappear" when the plant ages, actually
shrinking away. Shown is a rare boxed
specimen. We have several of these
as well as smaller sizes for sale. Along
the coast it takes full sun. Cold tolerance
is into the mid-twenties F. The plant you
see saw temperatures outside in 2007 of
24 degrees.

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2011

HOWEA BELMOREANAThis is a single trunk, pinnate
palm from
Lord Howe Island. It is the other type of
palm known as the Kentia Palm. It is most
distinguished by the curved leaves that give
the crown an "umbrella shape". By report,
it is a bit more cold hardy than the Howea
forseriana, probably good to about 23 to
24 degrees F. Speed of growth is slow.
Mature height about 25 feed with a some-
what skinnier trunk than the standard
Kentia Palm. Shown is a very large 1g
plant: SPECIAL, reg. $40, special price
$30. We also have smaller ones for $25.
Also available, 5g and 15g.

JUBAEA CHILENSISCHILEAN WINE PALMThis is a real king among palm
trees with the thickest trunk of any
palm species. It is extremely cold
hardy and sought after by collectors
from all over the country. It tolerates
temperatures of about 15 degrees,
is pinnate, gets to about 60 feet and
has a trunk diameter of four feet or
more. Shown is a very large 15g
plant, price $200, basal diameter 10
inches. We also have nice 5g (easily
shipped) and box specimens.
The specimen photos speak for
themselves.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 2011

CYCAS DEBAOENSISThis is an absolutely
different and striking cycad species
that was introduced to the market in the last ten to fifteen
years. Like a Fishtail Palm, it's leaves branch and are
multipinnate, to the third order. This is very unusual for
cycads. Pictures shown here give you a good look at
this species and the characteristics of the leaves. The
third photo shows what the entire plant looks like. The
leaves are rather full and extend upward to about 10 feet
height maximum. This species likes filtered light and is
cold hardy into the mid twenties F. It is very rare and
hard to find.

CYCAS CURRANIIThis is another Cycas
species from Asia and
gets rather large,
up to at least 20 feet in a few
decades. It has a thin stem for
its height and
the leaves are about six feet long. It likes
filtered
light and perhaps full sun near the
coast. Cold hardiness is
into the twenties F.
We have a good supply of nice plants
with about a foot of trunk. The second photo
is an old picture
of an older plant grown
outdoors at our nursery in the sun.

SUNDAY, JULY 10, 2011

DYPSIS PEMBANAThis is a rare, sometimes
single trunk and
other times suckering palm from the Island of
Pemba. It is one of the rare Dypsis not from
Madagascar. It reaches a height of 30 perhaps
40 feet and has thin trunks. It has been found to
do quite well in So Cal coastal sun (unlike some
other Dypsis species). Its trunk is gray with prominent
rings. It is cold tolerant to about freezing. Shown
in a seven foot 15g plant, $175. The second photo
is of a mature specimen in a domestic garden. Note
the keeled leaves, which helps ID this species.

RHAPIS EXCELSA, VARIEGATEDRhapis is a clustering smaller palm from Asia. There
are known to be variegated forms of this species and
they are coveted by people worldwide. It is near
impossible to find some varieties and they are always
expensive to buy. Shown are several photos of a
variegated Rhapis that we got from a private collection.
We don't know for sure the variety but think it may be
Goldilocks. Note the very yellow lower leaves. Our
automatic fertilizer injector tends to green up variegatedRhapis. It is very difficult to find pictures of
variegatedRhapis on the Net. The last photo is a different
variety.

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUSI wanted to show a nice specimen of this rare
African cycad because it has a new flush of
leaves. It is in a 15g container and has a caudex of
about 8 to 10 inches. Large specimens like this
typically go for about $150 per inch of caudex,
but I might offer a special price on this one. It is
absolutely stunning with very nice form and a
beautiful caudex shape. This new throw of leaves
is about 20 leaves. In the sun they will get even more
blue color. For other pictures of horridus, go to the
bottom of this thread or to the older postings where
I put quite a few photos of sun grow Encephalartos
horridus. (Note: after this post, this plant did
sale and is no longer available)

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2011

CYCAS panzhihuaensisThis is a very cold hardy yet
tropical
appearing cycad. It is native to China
and in sun the leaves have a blue-green
color. It tolerates temperatures easily
into the low 20's F. Overall size is
medium. The last photo shows
several specimens at Montgomery
Foundation in Miami, FL.

DYPSIS MADAGASCARENSIS, SUCKERING FORMDypsis madagascarensis is a
native palm to
Madagascar that has a single trunk form (often
referred to as Dypsis madagascarensis var.
lucabensis) or a suckering form. It gets
to about 25 feet, is fairly cold hardy, and has
medium thickness to the trunks. Pictured is
the suckering form, a 5g plant, about 4 to 5 feet
tall, $65. The other photo shows mature trunks
of this species.

CYCAS PETRAEAThis is a very interesting cycad
species for several
reasons. First, it is quite cold hardy, tolerating
temperatures below freezing and known to take
snow. Second,
it is a rather small cycad species,
rarely over six to eight feet of
trunk. Finally, it has an unusual smooth skin to the caudex.
These plants are huge, the biggest of this species
that I've seen
on the market
and almost fill their
ten gallon containers. Priced at
$450,
they won't
last long. i've shown multiple pictures here so
you
can really appreciate how gorgeous these
plants are.

MONDAY, JULY 4TH, 2011

ORANIOPSIS APPENDICULATATHE BRONZE PALM

This single trunk, pinnate
palm comes from
Mt Lewis mountain area of Queensland. It
grows right next to native stands of Archontophoenix purpurea.
It is
surprisingly cold hardy and can temps
into the mid twenties, F. It has a bronze-
silver color to the underside of the
leaves, thus giving it its name. Trunks
are about 12 inches and overall height,
similar to the Purple Crown Shaft King,
is about 35 feet. Shown is a 5g nursery
plant for $75. We also have 15g plants
for sale. The second photo is from
habitat and shows the bronze color to
the underside of the leaves.

RAVENEA GLAUCAThis medium sized pinnate
palm comes from
Madagascar and is a smaller version of the
Majesty Palm. But, there are important differences.
It is easier to grow, perhaps somewhat more cold
hardy, and doesn't suffer from that annoying
"yellowing" problem seen with R. rivularis.
Trunk diameter is about 8 inches, height up to
about 20 to 25 feet. Shown is a 15g plant, $175.
We also have 2g and 5g plants. Cold tolerance
is into the mid twenty degrees F. It is a good
growing palm and is being tried in cooler areas
like the SF Bay area and Houston. The second
photo is a domestic plant with about 10 feet of
overall height.

SATURDAY, JULY 2, 2011

RHOPALOSTYLIS CHEESEMANIIThis is a single trunk, crown
shafted pinnate
palm from New Zealand. Some would group
this with Rhopalystlis baueri as a subtype. It
is from Raoul Island. It's crown shaft has a brown
or purple color and is quite attractive. It is
a somewhat slower grower when small but
picks up speed once planted. It's trunk is about
10 inches. The leave droop with a gentle arch.
This species tolerates full sun right on the coast
and would prefer filtered light in inland
locations. Shown is a 15g specimen, price $175,
followed by a 5g plant, $65.

Below are two garden specimens. These are
not very old plants and are just showing a bit
of trunk.

BURRETIOKENTIA KOGHIENSISThis is good sized,
crown shafted pinnate
palm from New Caledonia. It comes from Mt.
Koghi in the central area of the island. Mature
trees obtain a height eventually of 40 feet or more.
The leaves tend to be upright in the crown and the
crown shaft has a white color. It is more difficult
to find than other species of Burretiokentia.An interesting thing about this species is that
younger plants have a triangular shape in the
crown shaft area below the leaves. Shown here
is a 15g plant as well as mature specimens from
the wild.
One photo
shows a blossom on a
fruiting tree.
We also have 5g nursery plants
at the nursery for sale.

THURSDAY, JUNE 30, 2011

CYCAS THOUARSIIThis cycad has an exotic look to
it and has minimal
armor or spines. When mature, it gets quite tall and
can sucker and form a cluster. It is quick growing and
will tolerate sun along the Southern California coast.
Inland it would like partial sun. When mature it can
throw up to 40 leaves 2 meters long or greater. Trunk
diameter is 12 to 18 inches. Shown is 5 gallonplant which is normally $135 and on specialnow for $85. We also have larger 15g and
boxspecimens and some 1g plants.

Cold tolerance is into the twenties F. It likes good
drainage and can be grown as a containerized
specimen. Some have even grown it as a houseplant.
It is much more exotic appearing than a Sago and
has softer leaves, making it a more ideal interior
plant. Also shown are a 15g plant and a garden
specimen.

HEDYSCEPE CANTERBURYANAThis is a gorgeous single trunk,
crown shafted
pinnate palm from the mid-elevation of the
mountains of Lord Howe Island (home of the
Kentia Palm). It has an umbrella shaped crown
of leaves, is small to medium sized, seldom over
20 feet tall. It can take full sun along the coast
but would like filtered light inland. It is slow
growing and is also known for its silver trunk and
crown shaft. It's cold tolerance is into the mid-
twenties F. Shown is a 15g from the nursery,
various photos. We have smaller plants as well.
Also shown are pictures of
mature plants.
This species is rather hard
to find in good size.
The one shown is $195.
Ripe fruit is large and
red in color.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2011

DYPSIS UTILUSA "Vonitra" PalmThis species is interesting for
several reasons. First
off, it can either be single trunk, suckering at the base,
or branding above the ground. It has a shaggy, hairy
trunk with long tough fibers handing downwards.
It is a tall palm and can get up to 40 feet or more.
We've found that it survives many areas in Southern
California with cold tolerance to the mid-twenties F.
As most people do not have this species, I'm showing
multiple pictures of a nursery plant so you can get a
good look at it. It is a 15g specimen, 12 years old,
price $200. It has not suckered as of yet. I only have
one or two in this size.

Dypsis utilus used to be called Vonitra utilus.
It was later reclassified as a "Dypsis". We don't
presently have a picture of a large specimen plant
(it is rare) but will show a photo of a very similar
species, D. crinita, which is also an old "Vonitra"
species and has a similar trunk with suckers, but doesn't
get the height of the utilus. (see last photo).

LIVISTONA SARIBUSThis species is interesting
because its leaf is almost
a complete circle of leaflets. It is single trunk and
comes from Asia, extending from China down to
the Philippines. It gets quite time, but because
it is slow growing, few very tall specimens are
located in Southern California. A most prominent
feature of this species are the large hook-like
spines on the petiole. Once you've seen them, you
will respect their size and vicious tips. Sometimes
spines are dark brown/black and sometimes green,
causing growers to call them the "green" and
"black form". I suspect this may be a misidentification
of the green form. Most of my plants always have
dark spines and a darker petiole. Shown is an affordable
1g plant, $35. We should also have 5g, 15g, and
perhaps some boxes.

Also of interest are the seeds, which are a dark blue
color and quite beautiful. Cold hardiness of this
species is definitely into the twenties and perhaps
the low 20's F.

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2011

POLYANDROCOCOS CAUDESCENSThis is a montypic genus of a
single trunk palm from
Brazil. It is medium sized, up to about 35 feet with a trunk
diameter of 8 inches. When I first saw a mature specimen
of this species, I was struck with the beautiful orange-yellow
large fruits all clustered together. Cold hardiness is into
the upper twenties F. The new spear is striped silver/green.
Shown is a 5g nursery plant, $65. These simple leaves
will eventually become pinnate. The underside of the
leaves is silver. Although the picture of the fruit is still
green, it will turn orange/yellow in time. The last photo
shows the underside of the shown nursery plant's leaf.
We also have smaller and larger sizes for sale.

LYTOCARYUM WEDELLIANUMThis species has gone through
multiple genus changes
over the years and also been known as Microcoelum
and more recently Syagrus wedellianum. Most
enthusiasts still call it Lytocarum. This is a dwarf
palm that seldom gets over 8 feet tall. It has a thin
trunk with a head of leaves with thin leaflets. It is
rarely offered for sale in the size shown. This plant
is about 12 years old and the last one we have of this
size. It's price is $250. The mature plant shown is
older but, as you can see, not much bigger than
the nursery plant. This species prefers filtered
light and seems to 'thrive on neglect". I.e., don't give
it too much care. It's cold tolerance is into the
upper twenties F., perhaps a bit lower. I've known
of this species being grown in the SF Bay area.

.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011

ACROCOMIA ACULEATAThis single trunk spiny species of
palm gets to
be a rather tall tree with a fat trunk. The spine patterns
on the trunk are very interesting. This species is hard
to find and seeds are very slow to germinate. It took us
four years to germinate this batch of seeds with
a very low germination rate. These 2g are $45
and will go quickly. The close up picture shows
how even the leaves at this young stage are spiny. The
photos below show a mature specimen with close up
pictures of the spines and their interesting ringed
pattern on the trunk. (August 21, this species sold out)

JUBAEA X BUTIA HYBRID
CHILEAN WINE PALM HYBRIDThis is a very interesting
hybrid that we have been
carrying intermittently for a year or two. It combines
the large trunk of the Jubaea with the cold hardiness
of the Butia capitata. Interestingly enough, this
hybrid
appears to be more cold hardy than either of the parents.
We have reports this hybrid tolerates 13 to 14 degrees F.
Also, this hybrid grows much faster than the plain Chilean
Wine Palm. So you can have a huge trunked palm species
that grows rather fast! The nursery plants shown are
in a tree pot size. This is the only size we have.
Also shown are specimen shots from the LA Arboretum.
Our plants come from a well known hybridizer and
are F2 hybrids. The last picture shows the caliper of the
trunk. Next to it is a friend and past president of the PSSC,
David Minks, at a Society meeting about ten years ago. Note
the retained leaf bases, a good way to differentiate this
hybrid from the pure Jubaea chilensis.

\

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011

BISMARCKIA NOBILISTHE BISMARCK PALMThis is an absolutely fantastic species
for those who have
adequate sun and don't get below about 20 degrees F.
It has a nice blue-silver look to the leaves (there is a
green form as well) and likes heat and sun. To "old
timers", they probably already have one. But, to new
enthusiasts, this species is a must. We offer all sizes
from one gallon up to large boxes. I'll show multiple
nursery plants as well astwo mature specimens
as this is one of my favorite palms for a garden.
Of note the color of this palm is determined by genetics
but also by the amount of heat and sun that it receives.
For inland locations, consider planting one of these
"show stopping" palms.

Donated photo Bismarckia

Donated photo Bismarckia T.B.

RAVENEA SPECIES "GIANT"This is an
undetermined species that
reportedly has
huge leaves with long
petioles. It is not a small palm.
We have several smaller sizes for sale.
Shown is a
band container, although we
also have 2g and possibly
some 5g. The
only photo I can show is one from
Mardi Darian's garden in Vista, CA and
which
may or may not be the same
species. His plants have
not set viable
fruit as of yet. For a true collector of
rare palms, you might consider this one.

RAVENEA HILDEBRANDTIIIn contrast to the species
above, this is a dwarf species of
Ravenea that never gets over about 8 to 10 feet tall and
has a thin trunk. It tolerates filtered light and in coastal
locations full sun. We have a limited supply of one gallon
and five gallon plants for sale. I'll show several pictures of
garden specimens as well.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2011

COPERNICIA BAILEYANABAILEY FAN PALMWhen mature, this is a gorgeous, thick
trunked fan palm
that is very impressive. It is from Cuba. Some of the
nicest ones I've ever seen are at Fairchild Tropical Garden
in Miami. The leaves are stiff and upright and the trunk
is like a concrete pillar. These are very difficult to find
on the West Coast. Shown are 2 one gallon plants. The
picture to the right is from Fairchild. They are very slow
growing. Enthusiasts must be patient. Cold hardiness
is into the twenties F.

LEPIDOZAMIA HOPEIThis species of cycad gets
enormous! I mean really tall. There
are specimens with heights to almost 60 feet. Leaves are six
to ten feet long. Leaflets are soft and without spines or armor.
For this reason, it is felt to be a very user friendly cycad.
But,
you must give it adequate room to grow. Shown is a cit pot
size of this fairly rare cycad. Compared to the Lepidozamia
perofskyana, the hopei leaflets are wider.
This is the best way
to tell them apart when they are young. Shown is a mature
specimen but realize over centuries they get taller than this
plant. We have available citrus pot size $175 and much
larger
plants up to boxed coning size.

MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2011

CHAMAEDOREA PLUMOSAThis is a fairly new introduction
to the market about 15 years ago.
It is similar to Chamaedorea gluacifolia but more sun
tolerant.
It has thin green trunks and reaches a height of about 12 to 14 feet.
It's leaves are plumose, very fluffy. It is a single trunk
species
and looks better as a multiple plant planting. Shown is a 15g
which is about 10 feet tall and is $175. Another picture shows
this species in a full sun domestic location. This species is a
quick growing palm. We have smaller plants for sale and can
obtain boxed specimens, although a 15g should suit most
enthusiasts quite well. It's perfect for that thin garden area
where a larger palm just doesn't work.

CHAMAEROPS CERIFERAThis is a blue suckering
palm from Morocco. It is similar
to Chamaerops humilus but blue in color and appears to be
shorter in stature and slower growing. It is quite cold hardy,
tolerating temperatures to 15 degrees F. or colder. With intense
heat and sun, the blue color is more prominent. Shown is a
5g $65 and 7g $95. We don't have a picture of a large specimen
plant presently. Sorry. We also have boxed specimens
for sale.

JUBAEA CHILENSISTHE CHILEAN WINE PALMThis slow growing species is
known to have
the thickest trunk of any palm species, often
to four feet diameter. It likes full sun and
is cold tolerant into the mid-teens F. One
seldom sees these for sale at nurseries because
it takes so long to have a sellable product.
Shown is a 5g plant for $65 and a colony of
older plants in Mission Bay Park in San Diego.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19, 2011

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUSBLUNT TIP VARIETYPer our discussion yesterday on the
blunt tip form
of this species, I contacted a customer of ours who
purchased one about 10 years ago from us. His plant has
stayed somewhat compact with shorter leaves. A
picture of the leaves are to the left. To read more
about this variety, see below.

ACTINOKENTIA DIVARACATAThis is a single trunk,
medium height pinnate palm
from New Caledonia. It throws a new red leaf and
is very slow growing. It prefers filtered light and
gets to about 15, perhaps 20 feet of height. It takes
us about six years to produce a 5g plants because it
is so slow growing. It's cold tolerance appears to be
into the mid-twenties F. Shown to the right is a 1g
and 5g plant. The smaller plant is $40, 5g $75. Other
pictures below show mature specimens in the wild
with the last picture surprisingly in open sun in a
garden in New Caledonia. Note the seeds on the
last specimen, hanging close to the ground.

CHAMAEDOREA RADICALISTRUNKING, NON-TRUNKING FORMSChamaedorea radicalis
is a new world
dwarf palm that also
has a trunking form that gets up to about eight to ten feet
in height. Both are fairly cold hardy, the dwarf form known
to be able to tolerated temperatures into the upper teens F.
When plants are larger, it is quite easy to tell these two forms
apart. But, when they are small, it's much more difficult.
Shown to the right is a 5g of the dwarf form. Next to it is
a trunking form. We have 1g, 5g, and 15g sizes of C.
radicalis
but availability is very limited. Surprisingly, this species
will
tolerate sun in many area, unusual for a Chamadorea.
Of note
the dwarf form seldom gets over 3, perhaps 4 feet in height.
Many enthusiasts are growing this species in rather cold areas
of the country with good success. Characteristic to both forms
are the long flower spikes coming from the trunk. You can see
one forming on the 15g plant to the far right.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18, 2011

I thought today I would show a few unusual cycad species in
the seedling stage. Such plants give almost anyone an opportunity to
purchase and start a cycad garden. All you have to do is offer good
culture and wait for them to grow.
We can easily ship these seedlings to any state in the country. Sorry,
no international shipping.

ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS,
"BLUNT TIP",
BLUE FORMCycad enthusiast get really
excited when they see differences in
the
plant they have. There are so many species where variations
in
morphology cause excitement and desire to obtain a particular
appearance of any given species. These variability's seem to
represent
genetic variations in the species. Thus, we have such
things
as
"wide leaf ferox", "dwarf horridus", "spiny
sclavoi", etc. From a
nurseryman's point of view, this is a good thing because it creates
interest and hopefully demand. With this said, in some cases the
"variety" may be a good thing with a more interesting plant.

Such is the case with Encephalartos longifolius, "blunt tip"
variety.
It's a plant that has a more blunted terminal tip to the leaflet.
We
have
some of these for sale in band size, $65. There is also the
"fishtail" form
of this which we also have. In the latter's
case, the
end of the leaflet is
forked like a snake's tongue. These plants
will
end up with a blue-green
color. The second picture to the right
shows an E. longifolius
with a more blunt tip leaflet.
Below you
see pictures of a blue longifolius
with a more typical
pointed
leaflet. The last photo shows you a green
plant, same species.
In the area of Natal, South Africa, the dark green form
seems to
be more difficult to find that the blue green or blue form.

ENCEPHALARTOS CERINUSThis is a rare South African cycad species that never
very
large in size and is quite pretty. The leaves have a waxy
coat and the trunk never gets over about a foot in height.
It likes sun, so it's a perfect cycad for a small, sunny
location. Shown is a band size plant for $85. It is rare
and hard to find. Also shown is a mature plant. Note the
blue green color and small size.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANIIThis is one of the four "basic blue"
Encephalartos
coming
from the Natal province in South Africa. This group of four
species includes E. lehmanii, princeps, horridus, and
trispinosus.
All are brilliantly blue in color of the
leaflets. E. horridus and
trispinosus are known for their
spiny and barbed
leaflets.
E. lehmanii and princeps are more
simple leaves
with pointed
leaflet tips. I've previously shownpictures of
some of these below,
but thought I'd show the seedling E. lehmanii here. they are
normally $55 but if you mention
this
website promotion, they are $45.
A mature specimen is
shown to the right.

ENCEPHALARTOS CAFFERThis is another dwarf South
African species. Often referred to
as
"cute", this species always stays small and is a green
cycad with a
touch of gray or blue to the leaves. It's another
sun loving
species
for that small spot in the garden. Shown
is the band size of
caffer,
about 3 years old. These are
normally $85, but mention this
special and they are $65.
Also shown is a mature garden
specimen.

THURSDAY, JUNE 16, 2011

PINANGA CORONATAThis is an exotic suckering pinnate palm that is really
beautiful. It likes filtered light and gets to about 10 -12
feet tall, perhaps a bit taller in the tropics.
It tolerates temperatures into the upper 20's F., likes
rich well draining soil and ample water. I've had several
specimens in my San Diego yard that have made fruit for
years. 5g, pictured, is $65 with a mature clump to the
right. It is closely related to the "species"
Pinanga
kuhlii, but the coronata has more regular width
and
spaced leaflets.

PINANGA JAVANAThis single trunk Pinaga
gets much taller than the coronata
and is single trunk. It comes from Java and can grow in
Southern California. Shown is a 1g plant, $35. To the
right
is a larger 15g at the nursery. Like the P. coronata,
it is
lush and tropical appearing and likes filtered light.

DIOON CALIFANOII love this cycad species.
It is probably my favorite Dioon.
I say this because it has a very compact crown of leaves
and is not overwhelmingly large. Its leaves are tightly
keeled, making a "V shape" in cross section. It comes
from Mexico. Photos from the wild show centuries old
specimens with about six to eight feet of trunk. I'm showing
a few extra photos of this great species in the wild. They
are habitat shots by J.O.

Shown to the immediate right is a band sized seedling.
Normal price for these is $65. Special price for one week
is $45. They tolerate temps into the lower 20's and like
full sun. We have sizes up to 15g also available.

Perhaps this will become one of your favorites as well.

The multistem photo shows a specimen that
is centuries old.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2011

BRAHEA CLARAThis in a blue palm from Mexico
related to Brahea armata.
Some feel that this is the same
species, while others argue it
is different. B. clara seems to
have longer petioles and
culturally seems to grow faster than B. armata.
Shown is a 5g plant, $65 and a garden juvenile plant.

DYPSIS BETAFAKAyesterday I showed a band sized
seedling of this species.
I thought it would be interesting
to show a 2g and 5g of as
well so the reader can see what it looks like as it gets
larger. The band size was shown yesterday. 2g are $45 and
5g are $65. To my eye, it resembles D. decipiens but is
not the same. With this in mind, we should all remember
that many of the species in Madagascar appear to be a
"complex" with great variation within the "species".

COLORFUL TI PLANTSWe have been carrying more and more of
the
colorful tropical "companion" plants when we can obtain
them. This includes the genus of Ti plants with their
many forms and colors. Shown are several that we
presently have at the nursery. These are typically in
the price range of $35, sometimes a bit more for larger
plants. Some are 3 to 4 feet tall.

ENCEPHALARTOS TRISPINOSUSI mentioned yesterday our
seedlings of this species.To the right is the band size of
the blue African cycad,E. trispinosus. The price for this 3 yo seedling is
$55.
This batch of seedlings are very strong and growing quite
well. A picture of a larger mature female plant in cone
is shown to the right.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2011

ZOMBIA ANTILLARUMThis is a suckering fan palm with
a unique spiny trunk. It is hard
to locate this species and shown is a nice, well grown 5g that has
seen cold weather. Cold tolerance is about 28 degrees, perhaps a
bit lower. They like sun and sandy soil. This 5g is $65.
The other
pictures show the mature plant and it's famous trunk appearance.

DYPSIS SPECIES, UNUSUALShown here are band size of two unusual
Dypsis species.Both are fairly new to cultivation, but should do wellin Southern California. First to the right
is Dypsis sp.
"betafaka". Little is known about it.
As a seedling itis similar appearing to Dypsis decipiens,
but as it getslarger, the differences are showing.
Second is Dypsisspecies "dark mealy bug", referring to dark
spots on the stem. No mature specimens are available on
either of these "species" at this time, so time will tell
what yourplant would look like. Normally these are
$35; specialuntil June 20th is $25 if you mention this
special. On
the betafaka, we also have 2g and perhaps some 5g size
available.

ENCEPHALARTOS HORRIDUSIt is quite amazing that
the number one selling cycad at
most cycad nurseries is Encephalartos horridus. They
are very prickly and compact. Yet, customers love this
species. We are presently out of seedlings, but have an
excellent selection of plants from 15g size to boxes. A
similar species, E. trispinosus, we have in band size.
But,
the true horridus is only available in larger plants right
now. I'll
show a containerized horridus first to the left. Then
I'll
show mature E. horridus and trispinosus side by side
so
the reader can see how both are blue and very similar in
appearance.

You will note that, on both of the mature specimens, the
color is gorgeous blue and both have sharply barbed,
recurved leaves. Close inspection of the horridus shows
a prominent angled side barb on the leaflets, marking one
of the main differences in morphology. We have a good
supply of E. trispinosus, band size with 3 to 4 leaflets for
$55 but they will soon be shifted into larger containers.

Both species like hot sun and good drainage. Plants grown
in the shade or greenhouse show less of the blue color.

Encephalartos horridus

Encephalartos trispinosus

SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2011

ALLOSCHMIDTIA GLABRATA
(BASSELINIA GLABRATA)This single trunk species from New
Caledonia has a thin trunk,
nice crown, height of perhaps 30 feet and a desire to be grown
in filtered light with soil that doesn't really dry out. It is
very
elegant and exotic appearing. Shown is a 20g plant has some
trunk and costs $350. We also have 15g and 5g plants for sale.
I'd estimate cold tolerance into the upper 20's F. Also shown
is a mature specimen in the wild.

BRAHEA DECUMBENSBrahea decumbens has long held enthusiasts
interest
because 1) It is a dwarf species 2) It has a nice blue
color to the leaves 3) It suckers, rare for a Brahea4) It is quite cold hardy, probably into the low 20's.
People grow this species in TX and the Gulf states.
They are hard to find, slow to grow and must be a
5g size in sun to show the blue color. But, they will.
Shown is a 1g plant, normally $45, special $35. We
also have 5g for sale. A mature specimen is shown
as well. The special price runs one week. The 1g
shown is 3 to 4 years old. They are slow!

SATURDAY, JUNE 11, 2011

CYCAS PETRAEAThis is a very interesting cycad
species for several reasons.First, it is quite cold hardy, tolerating
temperatures below freezing and known to take snow. Second,
it is a rather smallcycad species, rarely over six to eight feet of
trunk. Finally, it has an unusual smooth skin to the caudex.
These plants arehuge, the biggest on the market and very old.
They almost filltheir ten gallon containers. Priced at
$450, they won't lastlong. Sorry, but we have no pictures
(either ours or on the
Net) of larger specimens to show you.

.

ENCEPHALARTOS LEHMANIIThis rare blue colored
cycad is from South Africa, the Natal area.
It is different than the E. horridus because it doesn't have the side
barbs and lobes. It remains relatively small, never getting a
trunk
height over a few feet. Shown is a 15g plant with bronze colored
newly emerging leaves. We have a good supply ranging from
seedlings ($55) to large specimens at a special price of
$125 per inch of caudex width on round caudex specimens.

KERRIODOXA ELEGANSThis species has fascinated
me ever since I saw it
in the wild in Southern Thailand. It is a rather small
fan palm with unique fan leaves and silver color on the
bottom of the leaves. It is very difficult to find. We
have
1g size available (shown) for $45. A large specimen is
also shown in a garden. Its cold tolerance is somewhere
near freezing. Note that the leaves are near complete
with only small terminal separated segments. Only a
few are available.

WODYETIA BIFURCATAThis popular narrow trunked species of crown
shafted pinnate palm is known to like heat and
sun. It tolerates temperatures down to about 24
degrees F. We have all sizes from seedlings to
14 foot specimens (limited). Shown is a 20g that
is eight to ten feet, $275. From time to time we
also have the Foxy Lady hybrid of Wodyetia
withVeitchia.Wodyetia is
known as the Foxtail
Palm and peaks out at about 22 feet or so.

FRIDAY, JUNE 10TH

Burretiokentia hapalaThis is a very popular, single
trunk, pinnate palm from New Caledonia.
Enthusiasts have found it to be one of the easiest Burretiokentias
to grow. It prefers filtered or part day sun in most areas and
is a
good grower. Cold tolerance is into the upper 20's f.
Pictured is a
20G specimen, price is $400. We also have 15g, 5g and smaller.
The second photo is in a domestic garden for several years. They
get
A height of at least 20 feet. This is a beautiful palm!

HYOPHORBE VERSCHAFELTIIThis is a slow growing yet bizarre
looking palm. It is known as
the Spindle Palm. Opposed to the Bottle Palm (gets swelling at
the
base of the trunk), this species swells in the middle of the trunk.
It
is crown shafted and never gets very tall, perhaps to 15 feet in a
many decades. The pictured plant is a 1.5 gallon and $35 and
about 2
feet tall. The second photo shows several mature specimens.
Cold
tolerance is better than the Bottle Palm, a bit below freezing.

CYCAS PECTINATAThis charming cycad is from
Asia (India to China) and gets 10 to
15 feet tall over many years. It has 6 foot leaves and is quite
beautiful.
It likes filtered light or full sun right along the coast. The
shown
containerized plant is in a 5g and $175. It has 4 foot leaves.
It is a
good grower. The second photo shows a more mature plant in a
domestic setting.

THURSDAY, JUNE 9TH

SYAGRUS SCHIZOPHYLLAThis species is a single trunk palm that belongs to the
family of Syagrus. This is the same genus as the
Queen Palm. Yet, this plant looks nothing like the
Queen Palm. It is known as the Arucuri Palm and gets
to about 15 feet, takes full sun, and is slow growing.
Shown to the right is a 5g, $65. Adjacent is a mature
specimen in a garden. Not a Queen, is it? Cold hardy
into the upper 20's F.

JUBAEA CHLENSISEveryone loves the large trunked Chilean Wine Palm.
This slow growing species can get a trunk diameter of
four feet! It typically gets a trunk height of about 25
feet in 30 years. It is extremely expensive when bought
as a mature specimen. Shown is a 5g, 4 to 5 year old
plant for $65. Mature ones to the right are located in
San Diego, CA

TUESDAY, JUNE 7TH

CEROXYLON AMAZONICUMThis is a single trunk species of pinnate palm from
South America on the slopes of the Andes Mountains. It is a type ofWax Palm and known for it's cold tolerance and thin trunk forits size. This species is one of the most heat tolerant ofCeroxylon. Pictured is a 5g of this rare species, $75. We
have no pictures of large specimens as no one seems to
have any.

ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPSThis is a very sought after blue cycad from South
Africa. It has gorgeous blue color when outdoors in the sun and is a
small to medium sized cycad. Of the blue species from
the Natal district, this one is highly coveted and hard tofind. The 5g shown is $275. A larger specimen in the
groundis shown to the right.

MONDAY, JUNE 6TH

Cyphophoenix nuceleA medium sized crown shafted palm from New
Caledonia. It prefers
filtered
light, is quite rare
and very elegant appearing. Pictured is a one
gallon plant
that is $45. Next to this photo is
a nice sized plant in a
garden in
New Caledonia.
Cold tolerance is into the upper twenties, F.
We
also have 5g size for sale.

Serenoa repensThis species is a low profile, dwarf species
typically
under six feet in height. It suckers and
has a leaf color than varies from
green to blue.
It prefers full sun and heat and is quite cold
tolerant
into the teens F. 1g shown is $35. To the right
is a
gorgeous blue specimen in a private garden in FL.

Coccothrinax barbadensisThis is a thin trunked, sun loving fan palm. It
enjoys heatand is an ideal species for a bright sunny location. Youngplants are slow, but when planted from a one or five gallon
into the
soil, growth rates pick up. The 1g plant shown is $35.Adjacent is a mature specimen.

CHAMAEDOREA ELATIORThis species is very unique for two reasons.
First, when young, it haslarge simple leaves.
Later in life the plant puts
out typical pinnate
leaves. The second peculiarity is that it is a
climbing palm,
hanging
onto anything it can reach.
It prefers filtered light or shade
and will
get overhead into an adjacent tree. Shown is a 1g
plant for $35. The adjacent shows a friend of the
nursery holding a more mature
leaf.

THIS "BLOG-LIKE" THREAD IS ONGOING.
READING OLDER POST SHOWS LOTS MORE SPECIES AND IS EDUCATIONAL. SALES
DON'T APPLY, BUT PLANT MATERIAL MAY STILL BE AVAILABLE. BECAUSE READERS
REQUEST I DO SO, I WILL BE KEEPING OLDER POSTS FOR REVIEW.

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